Eurocopter UK reinforces its British private/VIP market leadership

With a series of deliveries, Eurocopter has further extended its lead in Britain’s private/VIP market and once more confirmed the company’s role as Britain’s civil helicopter hub. Two of the rotorcraft are the AS350 B3e evolved members of Eurocopter’s Ecureuil family, while the third is an EC120 B.

The design and customization activities for these aircraft were performed in the UK, with the Eurocopter UK subsidiary applying its onshore expertise in work ranging from avionics integration to interior design and outfitting, as well as installation of other customer-defined systems such as radar altimeters and iPads.

“Tailored solutions based on British design, parts manufacturing, integration, flight testing and certification have made us the preferred choice of UK customers in this market segment,” said Markus Steinke, Managing Director of Eurocopter UK Limited. “We are proud to continue the expansion of our unique civil helicopter heritage, skills and customer base, and will continue to extend Britain’s civil helicopter hub even more in the future.”

A fleet of 314 turbine helicopters is operated by private and business aviation customers across the UK, which represents the largest market of its kind in Europe, and is ranked third worldwide. With close to 40% of this fleet in Britain, Eurocopter provides more than any other helicopter manufacturer.

As the latest version of Eurocopter’s powerful seven-seat 2.3-ton AS350 family, the AS350 B3e is powered by a Turbomeca Arriel 2D turboshaft engine with new-generation digital FADEC, and incorporates an engine data recorder for condition monitoring. It is designed to perform demanding missions in the most extreme weather and geographical conditions, with the high endurance, extended range and fast cruise speed positioning the AS350 B3e as the leader in its class. Overall, 4,900 Ecureuils have been delivered in 98 countries worldwide for approximately 1,600 operators. These aircraft have cumulated more than 22 million flight hours. Eurocopter’s smaller EC120 B results from 50 years experience in designing, manufacturing and supporting light single-engine helicopters. A total of 660 EC120 Bs have been delivered around the globe so far, and have completed nearly 1 million flight hours.